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Shreveport Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers

We've all seen drivers distracted by their phones, and know that even a moment of inattention can cause a crash. Distracted driving is a major problem in Louisiana, contributing to hundreds of deaths and thousands of serious injuries each year. According to the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, in 2023 alone, 371 people were killed and over 9,700 seriously injured due to distracted driving in our state.

At Rice & Kendig, we understand the devastating impact of these preventable accidents on Shreveport families. We are dedicated to fighting for justice and compensation for victims, holding negligent drivers accountable with our experienced legal team.

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Cases

Success Stories:
Holding Distracted Drivers Responsible for Their Negligence

See How We’ve Won for Others
$1,000,000

Premises Liability

The client was a passenger in a vehicle when the roadway suddenly collapsed, causing vertebral compression fractures and significant PTSD.

$2,150,000

Wrongful Death

The client suffered fatal injuries when the defendant ran a stop sign, causing a collision that resulted in multiple broken bones and severe head trauma.

$1,600,000

Truck Accidents

Former sheriff's deputy, age 72, was rear-ended by a heavy-duty work truck, aggravating a degenerative neck problem.

$1,275,000

Car Accidents

The client was a passenger when another driver ran a stop sign, causing a t-bone collision resulting in a broken femur requiring surgery.

$750,000

Truck Accidents

An 18-wheeler lost power and rolled back into the client's vehicle, aggravating a pre-existing lower back injury.

$4,000,000

Car Accidents

The client's pre-existing Chiari malformation was aggravated in a rear-end collision, requiring a posterior craniotomy.

$750,000

Civil Rights Violation

A 68-year-old client's 4th amendment rights were violated when police illegally entered his home and wrongfully arrested him.

$650,000

Car Accidents

The client was turning into a gas station when struck from behind by a distracted driver, resulting in neck injuries requiring a 2-level cervical fusion.

$465,000

Truck Accidents

An inattentive 18-wheeler driver made an improper turn, causing a collision that aggravated the client's pre-existing neck injury requiring surgery.

$1,000,000

Car Accidents

An 84-year-old client suffered multiple injuries when a vehicle turned left in front of her, causing a t-bone collision.

$2,500,000

Pedestrian Accidents

The client was helping a friend load car seats when struck by a driver who fell asleep at the wheel.

$987,525

18-Wheeler Collision

Logging truck’s failure to yield caused client to suffer fractures in the arm and leg, amputation of 3 toes, and shoulder injuries.

$1,000,000

Premises Liability

Fall at a hotel convention center caused hand, neck, and low back injuries resulting in a 7-year recovery period.

$500,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Injuries to back, chest, shoulder, leg and spine requiring surgery.

$500,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was rear-ended sustaining injuries to the neck, back, and knee.

$500,000

Wrongful Death/Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was struck and killed during daylight hours while retrieving an item from the highway.

$500,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was t-boned by a city vehicle sustaining neck and back injuries, TMJ, and headaches that required physical therapy and multiple injections.

$504,150

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was rear-ended causing injuries to the neck and right side of the body. Client’s neck injury required surgery.

$545,000

Cycling/Motor Vehicle Collision

Client on a bicycle was hit by a police patrol car causing brain damage, and injuries to the head, neck, legs, and arm.

$550,000

18-Wheeler Collision

Client was rear-ended by a big rig causing low back and neck pain; physical recovery and treatment included injections, physical therapy, and counseling.

$625,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Head-on collision led to wrist and hand injuries that required surgery, seat belt injuries, pain in the neck, sternum, pelvis, abdomen, shoulder, and back, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

$650,000

18-Wheeler Collision

18-wheeler driver was rear-ended by another 18-wheeler causing headaches and neck injury.

$663,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was backed into while on the job at an oil field site. Collision resulted in numerous back and neck injuries requiring surgeries.

$665,000

Motor Vehicle Collision/Wrongful Death

Client went to the aid of a vehicle accident victim and was struck and killed by a passing vehicle.

$685,000

Premises Liability

Client sustained two broken legs from a fall over an unreasonably dangerous tripping hazard.

$800,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Head-on collision that left client with back and neck injuries as well as seat belt injuries. Client’s recovery was lengthy and included physical therapy and injections.

$800,606

Motor Vehicle Collision

A defendant driver's unprotected left turn caused a collision, resulting in a severely broken leg requiring surgery, PTSD, loss of independence, and job loss for the client.

$950,000

18-Wheeler Collision

18-wheeler driver turned left, without the protection of a green arrow, in front of client. The collision caused injuries to the hand, neck, shoulder, low back, hip, foot, ankle, and eye.

$950,000

18-Wheeler Collision

Client was hit by a delivery truck and the vehicle rolled over. Client’s injuries included six broken ribs and a neck injury requiring extensive medical treatment.

$987,610

18-Wheeler Collision

Client was rear-ended multiple times by a big rig causing PTSD, spinal injuries requiring spinal fusion surgery, physical therapy, and counseling.

$1,000,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was hit by a commercial vehicle that ran a stop sign. Injuries to the knee, neck, and back requiring interventional pain management.

$1,000,000

Insurance Bad Faith

Insurance company refused to pay for hail damage to a commercial property.

$1,000,000

18-Wheeler Collision

Client was rear-ended by a drunk driver of an 18-wheeler causing client to suffer short-term memory loss and injuries to the head, neck, shoulders, and back.

$1,151,000

Pedestrian/Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was struck by a vehicle in a gas station parking lot. Client suffered head and brain damage resulting in memory loss.

$1,250,000

Wrongful Death

Client’s husband died due to a logging truck running a red light.

$1,375,000

Pedestrian/Motor Vehicle Collision

Client sustained injuries to head, leg and wrist. Client’s broken leg required surgery. In addition, client sought treatment with a neurologist for his head injury and cognitive issues.

$5,100,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client’s motorcycle was hit by a car leaving him in the ICU with facial injuries, arm injuries, and amputation of one leg.

$1,996,460

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was rear-ended while sitting at a stop sign. Neck and back injuries resulting in headaches and disability. Neck injury required surgery.

$1,855,500

Motor Vehicle Collision

Defendant driver’s failure to stop at a stop sign caused a collision injuring the client’s leg and ankle (required surgery), knee, hip, back, and chest. The airbags deployed, causing airbag injuries.

$1,500,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was hit head-on by a delivery truck sustaining injuries to the knee, hand, neck, and back. Neck injury required surgery.

$1,400,000

Workplace Injury

A piece of loading equipment fell on client causing spinal injuries resulting in partial disability.

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Table of Contents

Types of Distracted Driving We See in Accident Cases

Distraction behind the wheel comes in many forms, but our experienced attorneys have successfully handled cases involving all types of driver inattention:

  • Cell Phone Use and Texting

    Despite Louisiana's ban on texting and using social media while driving, countless drivers continue this dangerous practice. Looking at a phone for just 5 seconds at 55 mph means traveling the length of a football field blindfolded. Our attorneys know how to subpoena phone records and app usage data to prove the other driver was illegally using their device when they hit you.

  • GPS and Navigation Distractions

    Programming GPS systems or consulting maps while driving pulls attention from the road. We've represented numerous clients injured by drivers who focused more on their next turn than the traffic around them. Through digital forensics and technology experts, we can often recover navigation data that proves distraction occurred.

  • Eating and Drinking While Driving

    Many drivers attempt to multitask during their commute, treating their vehicle like a dining room. When that coffee spills or that burger unwraps unexpectedly, the resulting distraction can cause serious accidents. Our investigative team looks for food containers, stains, and receipts that can prove this type of negligence.

  • Passenger Distractions

    Turning to engage with passengers — whether they're rowdy children, demanding pets, or simply other adults — takes a driver's eyes off the road. We've helped victims injured when drivers prioritized conversations or passenger needs over safe driving. Witness statements from passengers and other drivers can be powerful evidence in these cases.

  • Grooming and Personal Care

    Applying makeup, shaving, or other personal grooming activities while driving indicates severe negligence. Our attorneys have successfully secured substantial settlements where drivers clearly prioritized appearance over safety, using vehicle interior evidence and witness accounts to build compelling claims.

  • In-Car Entertainment Systems

    Modern vehicles come equipped with increasingly complex entertainment systems that can be as distracting as cell phones. Adjusting audio settings, searching for songs, or watching built-in screens creates dangerous situations. Our tech-savvy team works with forensic experts to determine when these systems were being manipulated at the time of your crash.

  • Cognitive Distractions

    Sometimes, the most dangerous distractions aren't visual but mental. Drivers lost in thought, emotionally upset, or daydreaming can miss critical road events despite looking straight ahead. We analyze driving patterns, reaction times, and witness statements to establish when a driver's mind clearly wasn't on their driving responsibilities.

Common Injuries in Distracted Driving Accidents

Distracted driving accidents often cause severe injuries because these drivers rarely brake before impact, resulting in high-speed collisions. At Rice & Kendig, we've helped countless Shreveport victims recover compensation for:

  • Neck and Soft Tissue Trauma
    Whiplash and soft tissue damage can cause chronic pain and mobility issues that insurance companies frequently downplay. Our attorneys work with medical specialists who properly document these "invisible" injuries to ensure fair compensation.
  • Traumatic Brain Injuries
    From concussions to severe TBIs, these injuries can cause memory loss, personality changes, and cognitive impairments. We understand the complex medical evidence needed to secure funding for both immediate treatment and long-term care.
  • Spine and Back Injuries
    Herniated discs, spinal cord damage, and vertebrae fractures can lead to chronic pain, paralysis, and permanent disability. Our team fights for compensation for current medical needs, future surgeries, and adaptive equipment.
  • Broken Bones and Joint Injuries
    Complex fractures often require surgical intervention and may cause permanent limitations. We work with orthopedic specialists to document both immediate and long-term impacts on your mobility and quality of life.
  • Internal Trauma
    Organ damage and internal bleeding can create life-threatening complications requiring emergency surgery and intensive care. We ensure your settlement accounts for these serious medical expenses and extended recovery times.
  • Psychological Damage
    Many victims experience anxiety, PTSD, and fear of driving after a distracted driving crash. We make sure your compensation includes treatment for these very real emotional injuries.

Rice & Kendig maintains close relationships with Shreveport's top healthcare providers who understand how to document and treat these injuries effectively — supporting both your physical recovery and your legal case.

Injured by a Distracted Driver? You’ve Come to the Right Place.

A distracted driver changed your life in an instant — now let our dedicated attorneys at Rice & Kendig fight to get you the most money possible for your injuries. We'll make sure your case gets the full attention it deserves.

Write to Us

or call us

(318) 222-2772

What to Do After a Distracted Driving Crash

The actions you take immediately after being hit by a distracted driver are crucial for both your recovery and your legal case. Here's how to protect yourself while helping build a strong foundation for proving distraction:

Seek Medical Care and Document the Scene

Always get medical attention, even if you feel "fine" initially. Many serious injuries don't show symptoms right away, and prompt medical documentation establishes the critical link between the crash and your injuries.

If you're physically able, use your phone to capture valuable evidence:

  • Photos of vehicle damage and positions
  • The other driver's activities (still using the phone, eating, etc.)
  • The interior of the other vehicle showing distractions
  • Witness contact information

Preserve Evidence of Distraction

Pay attention to telltale signs of distraction. Did the driver admit to not seeing you? Were they still holding their phone after the crash? Was food or makeup visible in their vehicle? Note these observations immediately, as they can be powerful evidence.

Watch for witnesses who may have seen the driver before impact — other motorists often notice distracted behavior like texting or erratic driving before a crash occurs. Their testimony can be invaluable for your case.

Report the Accident Properly and Contact Rice & Kendig

Distracted driving cases require a rapid response before crucial evidence disappears. Our team will send preservation letters to secure phone records and data, subpoena detailed cell records showing calls, texts, and app usage at the moment of your crash, and obtain surveillance footage from nearby businesses and traffic cameras. We'll access vehicle "black box" data showing a lack of braking or evasive action, work with accident reconstruction specialists to establish distraction patterns, and analyze social media timestamps that may show activity while driving.

At Rice & Kendig, our deep knowledge of distracted driving evidence has helped countless Shreveport victims prove what really happened in their cases, even when at-fault drivers denied being distracted.

Fair Compensation for Distracted Driving Victims

When a distracted driver causes serious injuries, you deserve compensation that truly addresses all your losses and damages. At Rice & Kendig, we conduct a thorough assessment of how your accident has affected every aspect of your life, building a comprehensive claim that includes:

Medical and Recovery Expenses

Your settlement should cover all healthcare costs, from emergency treatment and ambulance services to surgeries, hospital stays, and rehabilitation. We also account for ongoing medication costs, medical equipment, future treatments, and any home modifications needed for accessibility. Our goal is to ensure you never pay out of pocket for injuries caused by someone else's negligence.

Economic Impacts and Lost Opportunities

Distracted driving accidents often create significant financial hardship beyond medical bills. We fight for compensation covering lost wages during recovery, diminished earning capacity if you cannot return to your previous work, and property damage to your vehicle and belongings. Your settlement should also address transportation costs while your vehicle is being repaired, home care services during recovery, and all other out-of-pocket expenses related to your injuries.

Personal Suffering and Quality of Life

The law recognizes that the actual cost of an accident extends beyond financial losses. We pursue fair compensation for your physical pain and discomfort, emotional distress, and psychological impacts like PTSD and anxiety about driving or riding in vehicles. Your settlement should acknowledge your loss of enjoyment in activities you once loved, changes to your personal relationships, and the reality of permanent disabilities or disfigurement.

Louisiana's Distracted Driving Laws That Impact Your Case

Understanding Louisiana's specific laws regarding distracted driving can significantly strengthen your claim for compensation. Our attorneys leverage these legal provisions to build powerful cases for our clients:

Strict Texting and Social Media Prohibitions

Louisiana law RS 32:300.5 explicitly prohibits all drivers from texting, accessing social media, or using apps while operating a vehicle. When we can prove the other driver was engaged with their phone, we establish negligence and a clear legal violation that significantly bolsters your case.

The restrictions are even stricter for novice drivers and those with learner's permits — they're prohibited from using wireless devices in any capacity while driving. If you were injured by an inexperienced driver who was on their phone, this enhanced violation provides additional leverage in settlement negotiations.

Important Filing Deadlines

Louisiana recently modified its statute of limitations for personal injury claims.

  • For accidents occurring before July 1, 2024, victims have a one-year filing deadline from the date of the crash.
  • For accidents occurring after July 1, 2024, the deadline has been extended to two years.

While this legal change provides more time to file your claim, we strongly recommend acting quickly. Distracted driving evidence, such as cell phone records and witness memories, deteriorates rapidly, so prompt legal action ensures the strongest possible case.

Comparative Fault and Your Recovery

Under Louisiana's pure comparative fault system, you can recover damages even if you shared some responsibility for the accident. Your assigned percentage of fault would reduce your compensation, but unlike some states, there is no threshold that would prevent recovery.

Our experienced attorneys work diligently to minimize any fault assigned to you and to document how the distracted driver's behavior was the primary cause of your injuries, maximizing your potential compensation.

Insurance Coverage Considerations

Louisiana law requires all drivers to maintain liability insurance with minimum coverage limits of:

  • $15,000 for injuries to one person
  • $30,000 for injuries per accident
  • $25,000 for property damage

Unfortunately, these minimums rarely cover the full extent of serious injuries from distracted driving crashes. Our attorneys work to identify all possible sources of additional compensation, including umbrella policies, employer liability (if the driver was working), and your own underinsured motorist coverage to ensure you receive full and fair compensation for your injuries.

Worried About Proving Distracted Driving?

We know how to uncover digital evidence and build strong cases against negligent drivers.

Don't let crucial evidence disappear! Contact us immediately to preserve evidence and start building your case.

Free Consultation

or Call Us

(318) 222-2772
TESTIMONIALS

Read About Our
‍Real Results for Real People

  • I knew that they would take care of us, and I would definitely recommend them to anybody.

  • Rice & Kendig are very good at seeing what the weakness in our case is and what the strength is and developing both sides of the case.

  • They take great care of you. They care, and they make sure that you get what you need, they make sure that you're okay.

  • I suggest Rice & Kendig if you want someone who cares about you and your situation.

  • They did such a good job fighting for us and not dragging it on... Thanks to Rice & Kendig, the matter was over within a year.

  • He called me every day, made sure I was okay... he was just perfect. You couldn't ask for a better attorney.

  • They took care of us right away. They were loving.

BENEFITS

Why Choose Rice & Kendig for Your
Distracted Driving Accident Case?

Choosing the right attorney after a distracted driving crash can transform your recovery journey. Here's why Shreveport victims trust Rice & Kendig to deliver results:

  • Proven Success Against Distracted Drivers
    Our 50+ years of experience and millions won for clients speak volumes. Insurance companies know our reputation for building winning distracted driving cases and fighting relentlessly for maximum compensation.
  • Digital Evidence Expertise That Makes the Difference
    We partner with digital forensics specialists to uncover the electronic evidence other attorneys miss — from cell data timestamps to app usage logs that prove distraction. This technological edge often transforms challenging cases into clear victories.
  • Direct Access to Senior Attorneys
    When you call Rice & Kendig, you'll speak directly with the senior attorney handling your case — not a case manager or junior associate. Your case deserves an experienced legal mind who knows every detail of your situation and can answer your questions personally.
  • Shreveport-Specific Knowledge
    Five decades of serving our community has built invaluable local relationships with law enforcement, medical providers, and the court system. We understand Shreveport's specific roadways, traffic patterns, and how distracted driving accidents typically unfold here.
  • Bilingual Representation Without Barriers
    Our Spanish-speaking team ensures that every client receives the same powerful advocacy, regardless of language preference. Clear communication is essential for successful cases, and we're committed to serving our diverse Shreveport community.
  • No Recovery, No Fee Promise

    You'll never pay unless we win your case. This straightforward guarantee means you can focus entirely on healing while we invest our time, resources, and knowledge to secure the justice and compensation you deserve.

Your Local Advocates

Serving Distracted Driving Accident Victims Throughout Northwest Louisiana

Rice & Kendig proudly represents distracted driving victims across Northern Louisiana, understanding the unique challenges these accidents present in both urban and rural settings.

Our attorneys serve clients throughout Northern Louisiana:

Office Address

912 Kings Highway Shreveport, Louisiana 71104

Take Action Against Distracted Driving Today:

Call Rice & Kendig!

Their moment of distraction shouldn't destroy your future. At Rice & Kendig, we've spent over 50 years turning Shreveport distracted driving victims into victors with the money they deserve. Our attorneys know exactly how to prove what that driver was really doing when they hit you.

Digital evidence disappears quickly — phone records, app data, and location services won't wait. Neither should you. Contact us today for your free consultation and discover how we'll fight for the justice you deserve.

Remember, you pay absolutely nothing unless we win your case. Let our experienced attorneys handle the battle while you focus on healing.

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FAQ

Your Questions Answered:
Distracted Driving Accident FAQ

  • We use multiple methods to establish distraction, including cell phone records, witness testimony, surveillance footage, and social media activity timestamps. Our investigators also look for physical evidence like food wrappers or makeup in the vehicle and analyze accident patterns consistent with distraction. In many cases, the at-fault driver's statements to police or on the scene provide valuable evidence of their inattention.

  • Even when drivers deny phone use, we can subpoena detailed records from their cellular provider showing exactly when their device was active. Additionally, we can examine data from the vehicle's infotainment system, which often stores connection information from paired phones. Our thorough investigation frequently uncovers compelling evidence that contradicts these denials.

  • Every case is unique, with compensation depending on factors like injury severity, long-term impact on your life, available insurance coverage, and whether punitive damages apply. Our attorneys will evaluate all aspects of your situation to provide a realistic assessment of your claim's value. We've secured settlements ranging from tens of thousands to millions of dollars for distracted driving victims.

  • Yes. Louisiana's pure comparative fault system allows recovery even if you share some responsibility for the accident. Your percentage of fault will reduce your compensation, but you remain eligible regardless of how much fault is assigned to you. Our skilled attorneys work to minimize your assigned fault percentage to maximize your recovery.

  • While every case differs, most distracted driving claims are resolved within 6-18 months. Factors affecting the timeline include injury severity, evidence complexity, insurance company cooperation, and whether the case goes to trial. We work efficiently while still being thorough, understanding that our clients need resolution to move forward with their lives.